Power System Operator/Dispatcher

City Utilities of Springfield • Springfield, MO

2d • $96,257 - $144,385 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Manager-Power System Operations or designee, the Power System Operator/Dispatcher controls generation and monitors tie-line flow to meet Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Integrated Marketplace demands. The role monitors City Utilities’ transmission and distribution systems and performs switching functions to ensure safety and continuous service. The operator is responsible for operating the electric system safely and reliably in accordance with NERC reliability standards, including directing City Utilities’ personnel to protect the integrity of the bulk electric system.

The position operates the Energy Management System, monitors system conditions, coordinates generation and power transfers, controls high-voltage switching, and supports restoration during disturbances and outages. It also involves maintaining operational records, coordinating with power stations, field personnel, SPP, and interconnected utility partners, and following cybersecurity policies and company standards.

The work is performed in a control room with office-environment conditions. During emergencies, alarms, radio transmissions, and telephone calls may create substantial noise. The role requires rotating 12-hour shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. City Utilities may offer relocation assistance and/or a key recruitment allowance depending on individual circumstances and final offer details.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• A bachelor’s degree in an applicable technical or business field; at least two years of college or vocational/technical courses in electricity or electric power systems with exceptional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in power generation, transmission, or distribution operation.
• Successful completion of the Power System Operator/Dispatcher training program within one year of employment.
• NERC System Operator Certification at a minimum Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator (BIT) level.
• Computer operating familiarity.
• Working knowledge of controlling generation to match load, operating power stations, and maintaining and operating transmission and distribution systems.
• Working knowledge of generator operating characteristics.
• Ability to work well with numbers; identify, analyze, and solve system-malfunction problems; and communicate solutions.
• Ability to work courteously with customers, coworkers, interconnected utility partners, and regulatory agencies, and provide exceptional customer service through phone, in-person, and other communication channels.
• Ability to make sound judgments under stress and work well under pressure.
• Ability to use digital tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems, and willingness and capacity to learn emerging technologies relevant to utility operations.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for prudent, prompt decisions and corrective action.
• Willingness to work rotating 12-hour shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Maintain awareness of cybersecurity and threats, familiarity with NERC Reliability Standards, and adherence to company policies.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas orally and receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Ability to pass the Ishihara color vision test and/or visually differentiate and identify colors on a computer monitor, including red and green energized/de-energized indicators.
• Substantial wrist, hand, and/or finger movement and close visual acuity to operate a computer.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to pass a NERC background check.
• Remain alert and aware of surroundings and respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Learn and follow NERC reliability standards and retain NERC Operator Certification at a minimum Balancing, Interchange and Transmission (BIT) Operator level.
• Operate City Utilities’ electric system safely and reliably and direct personnel when needed to protect the integrity of the bulk electric system.
• Follow City Utilities’ Standards of Conduct concerning transmission operating information.
• Operate the Energy Management System to maintain bulk electric system reliability, restore power during disturbances or outages, mitigate equipment overloads, and maintain adequate voltage.
• Monitor and report changes or inconsistencies in operational diagrams, maps, alarm registers, and other operating information.
• Observe load and voltage and make operational decisions to ensure adequate electricity supply and distribution.
• Contact generating stations to adjust output according to internal load and bulk power system needs or conditions.
• Monitor the SPP Integrated Marketplace interface for unit commitment notices and Automatic Generation Control modes, and notify power stations of status changes.
• Monitor and control power transfers with interconnected balancing authority areas in compliance with NERC reliability standards.
• Ensure generators are loaded according to economic dispatching principles, subject to operational constraints.
• Maintain situational awareness of power-system conditions; record readings and status in daily logs and the Energy Management System; transmit hourly information to SPP and interconnected utility partners; and prepare monthly operational reports.
• Coordinate generating-unit connections and disconnections with power station personnel and SPP, communicate with field personnel, and maintain hot-line hold and clearance logs.
• Report known or suspected Energy Management System problems to support staff and cybersecurity personnel.
• Control and monitor high-voltage switching, including taking lines and equipment out of service and restoring them to service, and report bulk electric system facility outages to the SPP Reliability Coordinator.
• Take electric-system trouble calls and coordinate corrective action with field personnel during off-hours.
• Take prudent action to restore service after outages and minimize the effects of emergencies; implement switching procedures to protect the public and crews and maintain system integrity.
• Initiate emergency procedures when directed or necessary, start Backup Control Center operations when warranted, and notify duty personnel when additional assistance is needed.
• Maintain awareness of cybersecurity policies, standards, and requirements and complete routine internal cybersecurity training.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned by management.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be offered to candidates joining from outside the Springfield metropolitan area, depending on individual circumstances and final offer details.
• A key recruitment allowance may be offered depending on individual circumstances and final offer details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time